THERE is a need for industries to fully embrace automation and digital transformation such as robotics, the Internet of Things (loT), artificial intelligence and machine learning for Penang to reach greater heights.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow expressed his wish to see a future Penang that has a digitally integrated urban lifestyle, offering more productive jobs that come with higher wages stemming from new and forward-looking industries.
“There is currently more demand than supply and industries experience difficulty hiring talents and retaining high-skilled workers.
“One of the reasons for this is due to the diminishing interest in science and technology among students.
“And what is more alarming, is that only 31.8% or 4.91 million of employed persons in Malaysia are tertiary educated as of 2021 (according to the Department of Statistics Malaysia, 2021),” Chow said in his speech during the 88 Captains Chinese New Year luncheon at E&O Hotel today.
Among the dignitaries present were Penang Governor Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak and his consort Toh Puan Khadijah Mohd Nor; Deputy Education Minister Lim Hui Ying; Penang state executive councillors Datuk Abdul Halim Hussain, Jagdeep Singh Deo, Dr Norlela Ariffin, Phee Boon Poh, and Chong Eng; Yayasan Amal Tuan Yang Terutama Yang Di-Pertua Negeri Pulau Pinang chief executive officer Datuk Seri Rozali Mohamud, ACQUIRE Group chief executive officer Datuk Ashok Rudy Ratnanesan, and 88 Captains chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ooi Eng Hock.
Chow said the lack of interest in science and technology among students is a major national concern.
“We need to produce graduates who are skilled and competent to meet the industry’s demands and to attract and retain foreign investments.
“The Penang STEM, a platform which brings together Penang Skills Development Centre (PSDC), Penang Science Cluster, Tech Dome Penang, @CAT, Penang Math Platform, and Penang Digital Library, was initiated to spark students’ interest in STEM learning.
“We strongly believe that youth participation in STEM programmes will lay the foundation for a stronger digital economy and the 4th Industrial Revolution.
“While it is crucial for the younger generation to have sufficient awareness and interest in STEM education, it is also critical that opportunities are made available, not only to the urban young but also to the rural and those with disadvantaged backgrounds.
“It is our hope that by 2030, talents will be abundant and no manufacturing firms will face obstacles in talent recruitment,” he said.
Earlier, Chow congratulated Persatuan Kebajikan 88 Kapten Pulau Pinang (88 Captains) for staying true to its mission to assist Penang in talent development and sustainability.
“The association was established barely a year ago and I was made to understand that the 88 Captains have already signed Memorandums of Understanding with three universities namely Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT) and University of Wollongong (UOW) Malaysia KDU.
“The association is expected to fund about 30 students per year beginning this year (2023) by providing bursary scholarship which covers course fees and living expenses.
“I was also informed that the members have raised more than RM2 million for this purpose.
“This remarkable achievement by the association chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ooi Eng Hock and his fellow captains deserves a round of applause,” Chow said.
Chow also commended 88 Captains for coming together and contributing back to society.
“I understand that the graduate students will get job opportunities with members of 88 Captains, thus promoting sustainable talent development,” he said.
Chow concluded his speech on a positive note by saying that the state looks set to continue its excellence for many more decades, thanks to the strong fundamentals in manufacturing and an evolving ecosystem that addresses current and future trends.
Organising chairman Datuk Ong Eng Bin said Penang continues to be blessed, thanks to two key factors – strong leadership and the industrious nature of its people.
Ashok gave a brief highlight on the limited-edition coffee table book, depicting the historic moments of Penang Governor Tun Ahmad Fuzi.
“Our team collaborated with 88 Captains to produce the 88-page photographic journal,” he said.
Later, several captains of the industries were recognised for their contribution towards the Yayasan Amal Tuan Yang Terutama Yang di-Pertua Negeri Pulau Pinang.
The Yayasan Amal was established to help Penangites in distress and the underprivileged. Many recipients have benefited from the fund.
A sum of RM200,000 was raised and donated to the Yayasan Amal Tuan Yang Terutama Yang di-Pertua Negeri Pulau Pinang by the contributors of 88 Captains.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi
Video by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis